Keep Your Cool

Ever-climbing temperatures can result in a severe beauty meltdown - here's how to stay fresh and fabulous while it's hot in the city...

If you're having to struggle in and out of work in the hot, humid heat this summer then here are a few handy handbag items and hints which will instantly refresh and revive you . . .

HOW TO AVOID MAKE-UP MELTDOWN

  Keep your coolTo stop yourself from looking like you've just trekked across the Sahara dessert you'll need to rethink your choice of cosmetics. Lightweight make-up formulas for the face, lips and eyes are best as they won't start sliding down your face when the heat is on.

Face It Swap foundation for tinted moisturiser with an added SPF and cream blushers to boost your complexion nicely...
Bioré's Shine Control Moisturiser (£3.99) hydrates the skin but isn't as cloying or as rich as most day creams. The fact that it also stops your complexion from looking greasy is a huge bonus. If you like wearing foundation then try a tinted moisturiser such as Laura Mercier's which contains a high SPF of 20 (£30, 0870 169 9999) during the summer months. It'll still cover blemishes and provide you with a good base but because it's sheer it won't feel as heavy. Maybelline's Dream Mousse Bronzer in Bronze £6.99 also looks good. Cream blushers such as Bloom's Sheer Colour Cream (£11.95) will also boost your complexion nicely and keep your skin hydrated.

Eye-Eye
Your peepers are bound to run in the hot summer sun so make sure you swap your heavy duty powders for shimmery sheer colour washes. Lancome Ombre Glacée Cooling Eyeshadow Gels have a stunning and gorgeously light and summery range (£14.50 each) to choose from. A highly effective waterproof mascara is also a must when make-up meltdown is imminent. Lancôme's Hypnôse Waterproof Mascara (£17.50) and Bourjois Mascara Maxi Frange Waterproof Mascara (£8.95, 0800 269836) are both excellent. Try to avoid wearing kohl as this also has a tendency to run in the heat. Instead, why not save yourself the hassle and dye your eyelashes and eyebrows - at least it'll be one less thing to worry about in the morning.

Lip Service
A lanolin based cream lipstick is a no-no in the heat as it'll literally drip off and forget about glosses as tey are way too gloopy for heatwaves.The most appropriate line of action is to simply slick on a bit of balm such as Vaseline Aloe Vera (99p) to keep your pout perfect. If you want colour then opt for a tinted lip balm such as Mac's cult cosmetic classic Tinted Lip Conditioner (£10.50, 020 7534 9222) which also contains an SPF 15. Stila's Lip Glazes (£15, 020 7534 9222) are also light enough for lips during the summer and give a nice hint of colour.

OTHER WAYS TO KEEP YOUR COOL WHEN THE HEAT IS ON
A Breath of Fresh Air
Wherever you're travelling in the hot summer months it's always a good idea to carry a small battery operated fan so you can keep cool while on the move. Superdrug and Marks and Spencer are both stocking these in their stores.

Make Mine A Spritzer
A handbag sized atomiser is also an essential as you can spray it on whenever you feel flushed. Avène's Thermal Water Spray (£3) is dinky enough to fit into the smallest handbag and because its made from natural spring water it will also calm down any patches of skin irritated by the heat. Crème De La Mer's The Mist (£40, 0870 034 2566) is a real trea for sun parched skin as its purifying water instantly soothes and cools. A small bottle of water is also essential if you feel yourself becoming hydrated.

Wipe Out
Handy wet wipes are a must if you want to mop a beady brow. Wet Ones (99p)are the originals but the market is now flooded with all manner of copies including L'Occitane's Harvest Refreshing Verbena towelettes (£4.50 for 15) and Crabtree & Evelyn's Citrus Wipes (£4.50, 020 7361 0499). They not only refresh, they help cool and clean the skin too leaving it feeling incredibly fresh. FCUK's Stay Fresh Deodorising Wipes (£2.50, available at Boots nationwide) are another handbag essential if you want to smell sweet instead of sweaty.

Shower Fresh
For 'just stepped out of the shower' freshness spritz on some of Elizabeth Arden's Green Tea Revitalise Spray (£19) which is perfumed with invigorating lemongrass, watermint and white moss. If you've got a fridge at work then stash some of Korres's excellent Yoghurt Cooling Gel (£13, 020 7581 6455) in it as it'll reduce your skin's temperature quicker than you can say 'air conditioning'.

Step On It
After pounding pavements your feet are bound to be in need of a little tootsie TLC. The Sanctuary's Cooling Liquid Foot Powder (£4) or REN Revivo-Tonic Cool Comfort Leg & Foot Gel (£18, www.renskincare.com) will both make your feet fresh as a daisy once again.